if you have an old orthodontic retainer that doesn’t fit anymore could you take it to the orthodontist and would they be able to give you braces to get your teeth back into the position that old retainer fit?
Maybe ask your orthodontist that? I doubt it tho, you probably didn't use the retainer much as was recommended and you relapsed. It's on you bro.
They usually will not try to fit an old retainer. Braces are $$$. Retainers are cheap. Better to get something like an acrylic speed aligner. Something like that costs $50-150 usd from an ortho lab. Too bad the laws require a dentist to order it. They will mark up 4-6x for the appliance alone. If you shop around on pricing for a little alignement you’ll get multiple options and varying price points. One even offered $50 for a little straightening and permanent retainers. That’s usually for a family member of someone who is in treatment. That was a very cheap add-on! Ditch the retainer at this point. If you want to get the best deal..schedule several consults with several orthos at the same time. You don’t want a serial approach, but want to take a shotgun approach to consults. That’s because they take weeks to get in...depending on where you live. Always arrive early and dress/look rich. They say that doctors will treat your health better with these tactics...but I have only noticed flirting when I look good...but nothing if I am sick and unkempt. With orthodontists...ALWAYS look amazing AND be early. They are very judgemental and highly favoring of aesthetics. It may reflect in pricing, but not always. Remember, the poorer you look, the less people want to help you out. Sad, but true. The richer you look, the more people want to throw free stuff your way. This is just a life principle. Also, the more arrogant and self-centered you seem, the more people want to help you. If you are a bleeding heart, it unnerves people and they treat you poorly. Being selfish is a win-win!